®Lodi Dog Bite Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
If a dog bit you or your child in Lodi, you may be facing deep wounds, scars and bills you never planned for. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC is the Lodi dog bite lawyer team that stands up for you so you never face the owner's insurance company alone.
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The owner’s insurer may call you within days and ask for a recorded statement. A quick, low offer can look tempting when you are in pain and out of work.
Waiting has a cost, too. Wounds heal and photos get lost, witnesses forget, and the 2-year filing deadline keeps running.
Peter N. Davis is a Lodi personal injury lawyer who once worked in insurance defense, so he knows how insurers value bite claims. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured people in over 37 years.
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us online for a free case review today.
New Jersey's strict liability rule for dog bites
New Jersey makes dog owners strictly liable for bites under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. That means we do not have to prove the owner was careless, only that these key facts are true:
- The defendant owned the dog: The law places liability on the dog’s owner. We confirm ownership through licensing records, vet records and witness accounts.
- The dog bit you: The statute covers bites, not every injury a dog causes. Medical records and photos of the wound show what happened.
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property: This includes the owner’s own property if you were invited or there to do a legal duty, like delivering mail. A trespasser cannot use this law.
- You suffered damages: You must have real losses, such as medical bills, lost pay or scarring. We document every one of them.
Some dog injuries do not involve a bite. If a dog knocked you down or chased you into the street, we may build a negligence claim showing the owner failed to control the dog, or a claim showing the owner knew it was dangerous.
What a dog bite claim can cover beyond medical bills
A dog bite claim can cover far more than the emergency room bill. Depending on your case, you may recover:
- Economic damages: These cover medical care, rabies shots, surgery, therapy and lost wages. They also include future costs, like scar revision surgery for a child years from now.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, scarring, disfigurement, anxiety and lost enjoyment of life. Many bite victims, especially children, develop a lasting fear of dogs.
- Punitive damages: These are rare and require clear and convincing proof of actual malice or wanton and willful disregard under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.12. New Jersey caps them at five times compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater.
The table below shows how New Jersey bite injuries often compare in value. Every case is different, and these are general ranges, not promises.
| Injury category | Common examples | General value range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor bites | Shallow punctures, bruising, wounds treated and released | Lower |
| Infections and nerve injuries | Cellulitis, Pasteurella infection, hand or finger nerve damage | Moderate to higher |
| Serious tissue damage and fractures | Deep lacerations needing surgery, broken bones from a knockdown | Higher |
| Permanent scarring and disfigurement | Facial scars, especially on children, and multiple reconstructive surgeries | Often the highest |
Fault can also change the value. Under New Jersey’s comparative fault law, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, your award drops by your share of fault, and you recover nothing if you are found more at fault than the other side.
Hypothetical scenario: A 7-year-old is bitten on the cheek by a neighbor’s dog while playing in a shared backyard. The child needs stitches and, later, scar revision surgery, so the claim seeks both current medical bills and future treatment costs.
We do not list dog bite figures here because every past result depends on its own facts. You can review the outcomes we have reached for other injured clients on our case results page.
Additional reading: What is pain and suffering in a New Jersey injury case?
Who is liable for dog bite injuries in New Jersey?
More than one person or company may share the blame for an attack. As your New Jersey dog bite lawyer, we look at everyone who had a role:
- The dog owner: The owner is strictly liable for bites in most cases, even if the dog never bit anyone before. Most claims are paid through the owner’s insurance, not out of pocket.
- Homeowners and renters insurers: These policies typically cover dog bite liability up to their limits. Because limits vary, we check every policy that may apply, including umbrella coverage.
- A keeper or caretaker: A dog walker, sitter or relative watching the dog may be liable if they were careless. These claims rely on negligence rather than the strict liability statute.
- Kennels, groomers and boarding businesses: A business that handles dogs must use reasonable care to control them. Poor training or weak leashes and gates can make it responsible.
- Landlords: A landlord is usually not liable just for renting to a dog owner. A claim may exist if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and had the power to remove it, or the bite happened in a common area the landlord controls.
Hypothetical scenario: A tenant in a Lodi apartment building is bitten in the shared hallway by another tenant’s dog. The dog had attacked a mail carrier weeks earlier, and residents had complained to the landlord, so the claim names both the owner and the landlord.
Additional reading: Am I eligible to file a lawsuit if I was injured on private property?
Getting help from our Lodi dog bite lawyers is simple
We answer calls 24/7, and reaching us is easy:
- Phone: Call (973) 279-7246 any time, day or night.
- Online: Send us your details through our contact page.
- In person: Visit our Lodi office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your first consultation with a Lodi dog bite attorney is free, so reach out today.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
How our Lodi dog bite law firm holds owners accountable
A bite can affect your body, your job and your peace of mind. Our dog bite attorneys in Lodi pursue compensation for:
- Lost wages: We recover pay you lost while healing and income you may lose in the future. This matters most for workers who use their hands.
- Medical bills and rehabilitation: We seek payment for emergency care, surgery, rabies shots and physical therapy. We also account for future plastic surgery.
- Pain and suffering: We put a fair value on the physical pain you lived through. Insurers often try to leave this out of early offers.
- Disfigurement and disability: Facial scars, nerve damage and lost finger function can change your life. We use medical experts to show the long-term impact.
- Infections: Bites can lead to serious infections, sometimes weeks later. We make sure these costs are part of your claim.
- Emotional recovery and PTSD: Many victims have nightmares or panic around dogs. We include the cost of counseling and the toll on daily life.
- Bites from strays: If no owner is found at first, we look for anyone who owned or kept the dog. We also review other coverage you may have.
- Bites while working on someone’s property: Delivery drivers, mail carriers and contractors are often bitten on the job. You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a claim against the dog owner.
First steps after a dog attack
Once the first shock passes, these steps protect your health and your claim:
- Get the owner’s name and address: You need this to report the bite and to find the right insurance policy. Ask for the dog’s rabies vaccination record too.
- Keep conversations with the owner short: Some owners try to avoid a report because they fear for their dog. Stay polite, but do not agree to keep the bite private.
- See a doctor and follow their advice: Dog bites often become infected, even when they look small. Hackensack University Medical Center, a short drive from Lodi, treats serious bite wounds.
- Report the bite to the police and health officials: Contact the Lodi Police Department and the borough’s health office, which works with the Bergen County Department of Health Services. You can find both on the Borough of Lodi departments page.
- Follow the rabies observation: New Jersey health rules call for the dog to be watched for 10 days after the bite. Ask the health office for the result, since it guides whether you need rabies shots.
- Stay off social media: Insurers look for photos and posts that suggest you are not hurt. Avoid posting about the bite or your activities.
- Do not accept the first offer: Early offers rarely cover future scar treatment. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more.
- Watch your words with the insurer: Do not guess about what happened or say you are fine. Do not give a recorded statement before we review your case.
- Talk to a dog bite lawyer in Lodi: We handle the insurer, gather proof and track your deadline. You can focus on healing.
Additional reading: What to do when an insurance adjuster requests your medical records
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us before you speak with the owner’s insurer.
Two-year limit for New Jersey dog bite claims
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, you generally have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. If you miss it, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Children get more time. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21, the 2-year clock for a minor usually does not start until their 18th birthday.
Even so, waiting can weaken a claim. Bite photos, witness memories and the dog’s records are easiest to secure in the first weeks.
Additional reading: How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
Proof that strengthens a dog bite case
Strong proof leads to stronger offers. We start gathering it right away:
- Bite and animal control reports: Police and health office reports confirm the date, place and owner. They may also show earlier complaints about the dog.
- Medical records: ER notes, surgery reports and follow-up visits show how serious your injuries are. They also link your treatment to the bite.
- Photos and video: Take pictures of your wounds as they heal, plus the place where the attack happened. Doorbell and security cameras may have caught the attack.
- Witness statements: Neighbors and passersby can confirm you did not provoke the dog. Their accounts help defeat a comparative fault defense.
- Vaccination and license records: These confirm who owns the dog and its rabies status. Lodi requires a current rabies certificate to license a dog.
- Prior incident records: Earlier bites or a potentially dangerous dog ruling can support a negligence claim. They can also matter if punitive damages are possible.
- Proof of lost income: Pay stubs and a note from your employer show the work you missed.
- A recovery journal: Short daily notes about your pain, sleep and fear help show the human cost of the bite.
Collecting all of this while you heal is hard. Let us carry that weight so you can focus on getting better.
Fees in dog bite cases
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps contingency fees at 33 1/3% of the first $750,000 recovered. That cap protects you, and it means our goals match yours.
How a dog bite case moves from claim to payment
Here is how we move your dog bite case from first call to final payment:
- Free case review: We listen to what happened and explain your options. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Investigation: We gather bite reports, medical records, photos and witness statements. We also check for prior complaints about the dog.
- Identifying insurance: We find the owner’s homeowners, renters or umbrella policy. We also check whether a landlord or business shares the blame.
- Documenting your damages: We wait until your treatment is far enough along to know the full cost. Scar specialists may help show future needs.
- Demand and negotiation: We send the insurer a detailed demand package. Then we push back against low offers.
- Filing a lawsuit if needed: If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we file before the deadline. Most cases still settle before trial.
- Discovery and trial preparation: We exchange evidence and take testimony from the owner and witnesses. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
- Resolution: Once your case settles or a jury decides, we pay outstanding medical liens. Then you receive your share.
Call (973) 279-7246 or book your free case review to start the process.
Why neighbors choose our Lodi dog bite attorneys
Our office is right here on Essex Street, and we have served over 18,000 clients. We know Lodi, and we know how insurers and Bergen County courts handle bite claims.
Peter N. Davis spent the start of his career in insurance defense. He knows the tactics adjusters use to shrink claims, and he uses that knowledge for you.
When you hire a dog bite attorney in Lodi from our team, you get someone who answers calls 24/7. We treat every client like our most important case, and you will always know where your claim stands.
Peter N. Davis's background as a Lodi dog bite lawyer
Attorney Peter N. Davis is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Colorado. He is also an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor.
Over more than 37 years, our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured people. Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!”
We also give back to the community we serve. We partner with Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, support Bucket City Basketball in Garfield, and run the Rise Above Scholarship for students.
General information on dog bites in Lodi
Dog bites are more common than many people think. Here is what Lodi families should know about the law and the risks.
Does New Jersey have a one-bite rule?
No, not for bites. Under New Jersey’s strict liability statute, an owner is liable for a bite even if the dog never showed aggression before.
The old one-bite idea still matters for other injuries. If a dog knocks someone down without biting, the victim usually must show the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous.
Separate rules apply to the dog itself. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-23, the Lodi Municipal Court can declare a dog potentially dangerous after an unprovoked attack, which brings strict rules for the owner.
Hypothetical scenario: A large dog breaks free of its leash on Main Street and jumps on a jogger, who falls and breaks a wrist without being bitten. Because there was no bite, the claim focuses on the owner’s failure to control a dog known to pull free.
How common are dog attacks in Lodi?
No public source tracks dog bites in Lodi alone, but state data shows the risk is real. In 2025, New Jersey ranked 10th in the nation with 818 dog bite insurance claims.
Lodi is a busy, close-knit borough with apartments, sidewalks and a popular dog park. Close quarters mean more contact between people and dogs, especially on walks and at front doors.
How serious are dog bite injuries?
Children face the greatest risk. About half of dog bite victims are children, and because they are small, bites often land on the face, head and neck.
Many trainers and vets rate bites on the Dunbar scale, which runs from Level 1 to Level 6:
- Level 1: The dog snaps or growls, but its teeth do not touch the skin.
- Level 2: Teeth touch the skin but do not break it.
- Level 3: One to four shallow punctures from a single bite.
- Level 4: One to four deep punctures, often with bruising or tearing from shaking.
- Level 5: Multiple deep bites in one attack.
- Level 6: An attack that kills the victim.
Even a Level 3 bite can become infected or leave a scar. That is why prompt medical care and careful records matter so much.
Additional reading: How to prevent dog bite injuries
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Schedule a free call with a dog bite lawyer in Lodi, NJ
You did not choose to be bitten, but you can choose who fights for you next. Call (973) 279-7246 any time, or send us a message online.
Talk to our Lodi dog bite lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case review.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if a friend or relative's dog bit me?
Yes, and most claims are paid by the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not by your friend or relative personally. We handle these claims with care and respect, so you can cover your medical bills and lost pay without turning a close relationship into a bitter legal fight.
Does a court have to approve a settlement for my child's dog bite?
Usually, yes, because New Jersey judges typically review a minor’s settlement at a short friendly hearing to confirm it is fair, and the money is often held until the child turns 18. Court rules also set a lower 25% fee cap on early settlements for minors, which protects your child.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
We still have options, because we check for umbrella policies, a landlord’s coverage and any business that was caring for the dog. If no policy applies, we can seek a court judgment against the owner’s personal assets, and we review every possible source of payment during your free consultation.
Can I recover costs if my own dog was attacked during a walk?
Yes, in many cases, because New Jersey law treats pets as property, so vet bills for your injured dog may be recoverable from the attacking dog’s owner. If you were bitten or hurt while separating the dogs, you may also have a personal injury claim for your bills and pain.
How long does a dog bite case usually take?
Many dog bite claims settle within several months to a year, but timing depends on your injuries and how long treatment lasts. We usually wait until your doctors know your long-term needs, like scar care, before negotiating, and a case can take longer if a lawsuit becomes necessary.